Self-separating finishing machine



G. W. BALZ SELF-SEPARATING FINISHING MACHINE Jan. 15, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 3, 1961 INVENTOR. GU/VT/ /EP W BALZ ATTORNEY Jan. 15, 1963 SELF-SEPARATING FINISHING MACHINE Filed Oct. 3, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 INVENTOR. GU/VTHEA W BALZ I ATTORNEY a. w. BALZ 3,073,079

Jan. 15, 1963 G. w. BALZ 3,073 0 SELF-SEPARATING FINISHING MACHINE Filed Oct. 3, 1961 4 Sheets-Shut 3 FIGURE 4 INVENTOR. GU/VTHEE' m 5442 ATTORNEY Jan. 15, 1963 e. w. BALZ SELFSEPARATING FINISHING MACHINE 4- Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 3, 1961 FIGURE 6 INVENTOR. GU/VTHER W 5442 FIGURE 7 ATTORNEY 3,073,079 SELF-SEPARATING FINISHING MACHIN Gunther W. Balz, Kalamazoo, Mich., assiguor to Roto- Fiuish Company, Kalamazoo, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Filed Oct. 3, 1961, Ser. No. 142,701

28 Claims. (Cl. 51-463) The present invention relates to abrading machinesand is more particularly concerned with abrading machines of the vibrating type in which unfinished-partsare'commingled with various types of finishing or polishing material in the machine housing, vibrated until the parts have a desired finish or polish, and then discharged therefrom. In recent years there has been a tremendous increase in the demand for abrading machines. This has been brought about by several factors. First, with the high cost of labor, a demand has arisen to improve the types of abrading machines presently on the market.- Second, with the introduction of large vibrating type abrading machines, it is possible to complete the finishing operation in a relatively shorter time than was possible with the tumbling barrel type of abrading machines. Moreover, the vibrating type of abrading machines makes it possible to produce a finished or polished surface which is superiorto the finished or polished surface obtainable by the tum- :bling barrel method.

Typical operations which are performed by the selfseparating finishing machine according to the invention are, for example, vibrating a mass of unfinished parts and abrasive material for removing burrs and the like, vibrating a mass of partially finished parts and fine abrasive material for improving the surface of the parts, or vibrating a mass of semi-finished parts and burnishing material for imparting a high grade finish or luster to the surface of the parts.

Several types of vibratory abrading machines are available on the market today. One of these vibratory type abrading machines is generally referred to as a self-dumping finishing and polishing machine, a specific example of which is disclosed and claimed in my copending application, Serial No. 48,737 filed August 30, 1960. Another "ice ward a foraminous memberfrom an abrading compartment.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved self-separating finishing machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved self-separating finishing machine which is advantageous over any previously existing machine in numerous ways. 7

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved self-separating finishing machine in which the operator may load and unload the machine from the same position.

A further object ofthe present invention is to provide an improved self-separating finishing machine employing adjustable means disposed in the housing for controlling the fiow of finished parts and finishing material from an abrading compartment.

It is a further object of the present invention to pro vide an improved self-separating finishing machine having an abrading compartment and a storage compartment which are at least partially opposed to each other and satisfactory vibrating type abrading machine is disclosed I and claimed in my copending application, Serial No. 102,018, filed April 10, 1961. v I

In general, many of the vibratory type abrading machines heretofore available have left much to be desired, since most of these machines have no means for separating the finished or polished parts from the finishing material. Some of the more recently introduced machines involve novel combinations of separating means with vibratory type abrading machines, thus eliminating much of the labor involved in separating finished parts from finisheliminating the, step of recharging material at the end of each mg material as well as the machine with finishing finishing cycle.

A considerable amount of floor space is, however, necessary for operating these machines, since they are loaded and unloaded from different positions. Furthermore, in prior art self-separating abrading machines, there is no way of adequately controlling the flow of finished parts and finishing material toward a foraminous member, which gives rise to a tendency for the parts to be dis-. charged too rapidly from the machine, sometimes along with finishing material. It would be desirable, therefore, to provide an improved self-separating finishing machine which occupies a limited area of floor space and can be loaded and unloaded from the same position. Also, it would be desirable to provide an improved self-separating finishing machine which has adjustable means for controlling the flow of finished parts and finishing material tohaving a foraminous member therebetween.

Still another object of the present invention resides in an improved self-separating finishing machine having adjustable means which can be regulated from the outside of the housing for controlling the flow of finished parts and finishing material from an abrading compartment.

An additional object of the present invention resides in an improved self-separating finishing machine having a foraminous member mounted in a housing at an angle to the vertical axis of an abrading compartment.

A still further object of the present invention resides in an improved self-separating finishing machine having a motor and a discharge chute disposed on the same side of the housing.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art and still other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent hereinafter.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the present invention then comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, being indicative, however, of but several of the various ways in which the principles of the invention maybe employed. v

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be hadto the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a self-separating finishing machine embodying the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view of the machine shown in FIGURE 1, inside of a sound insulating box with the front portion removed;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the machine shown in FIGURE 1, inside of the sound insulating box with the side plate removed;

FIGURE 4 is a vertical section taken on line IV--IV of FIGURE 2 to show in detail the construction of .the housing in a loading or abrading position with finishing material and unfinished parts 'in an abrading compartment; 7

FIGURE 5 is a vertical section taken along line IV- IV of FIGURE 2 to show in detail theconstruction of the housing rotated to a discharge position with finished parts leaving the machine and the finishing material eutering the storage compartment;

FIGURE 6 is a section taken along line V I-Vl of FIGURE 4 with portions cut away better to illustrate certain constructional details of the housing, assuming that FIGURE4 shows the complete structure; and

in shape. necessary. that the housing have a generally elliptical conedby welding together two channel iron beams.

FIGURE 7 is a vertical fragmentary section of the housing showing a modified form of the foraminous member which is pivotally or moveably mounted.

General Description I V In' general, the improved sellisep'aratingv finishing machine describedherein is capable of receiving finishing material and unfinished parts through an openingin the front of the machine. An induction motor having a pairfiof eccentric members secured to the motor shaft .is integrally secured toa resiliently supported housing of the machine for imparting orbital vibrations thereto. After the parts have been vibrated with finishing material in an abrading compartment of 'the housing for a predetermined period, the housing is rotated to a discharge position. The finished parts and finishing material-thenflow by force of gravity toward a foraminous 3 'member. Ina preferred form of the invention an adjustable baflie secured to one'wall 'of the abrading compartment controls the flow of finishing material and finished parts to 'theforaminous member and the flow of parts being discharged from the machine. After the finishing material passes through the foraminous member, it is "deposited in a storage compartment of the housing. When all of the finished parts have been discharged from the machine, the housingis rotated back to its loading position and the finishing material is returned to the abrading compartmentthrough one or more chutes or ducts which bypass the separating means. A new cycle can then be started by introducing additional unfinished parts into the abrading compartment or chamber.

Thus an improved self-separating finishing machine has 'been provided for economically finishing metal, plastic,

and wooden parts, and the like.

Specific 3 Description Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings for a better understanding of the invention, in which all .:the parts are numbered and in which the same numbers are used to refer to corresponding parts throughout.

Referring more particularly to the-drawings, FIGURE 1 shows-a self-separating finishing machine 10 with a housing 11 in an abrading or loading position. In its preof I-beams or rails Hand 15 which are welded to the base plate 13 by'suitable means.

bers or standards 16, 17, 18 and 19 are welded at their respective end portions 16 17a, 18a and 19a to the base plate 13. The end portions 16a and 17a of vertical Vertical frame memframe members 16 and 17 respectively are also welded to rail 14 while end portions 18a and 19a of vertical frame members 18-and 19 respectively are welded to .rail 15.

v Similarly, vertical framemembers or standards 20 and 21 have their end portions. 20a and 214 respectively secured by welding or other suitable means tothe base plate 13 and rails 14 and 15. Cross members are then rigidly secured to the vertical frame members. More specifically, the lower cross member 22 is secured to the upper ends 16b, and 18b of vertical frame members 16 and 18 respectively and lower-cross member 23 is secured to the upper ends 17b .and 19b respectively of vertical frame members 17a nd 19. Likewise, cross member 24 is secured to the upperends 20b and 21b respectively "of vertical frame members 20 and 21. Each of the vertical frame members and cross members is construct- The securing together of the base plate 13, rails 14 and 15,-vertical frame members 16, '17, 18, 19, 20 and 21,

the lower-cross members 22 and 23 and the cross member 24 by welding or other suitable means completes the stationary portion of the frame 12.

In order to isolate the orbital vibrations of the housing 11 from the frame 12, a plurality of coiled helical springs 27 are equally spaced and disposed between lower cross member 22 and an upper cross member and between lower cross member 23 and an upper cross member 26. A plurality of cup-shaped members 28 are positioned and equally spaced along'the top side 220 of cross member 22 and on the top side 230 of cross member 23. Similar cup-shaped members 29 are inverted and secured to the bottom side 250 of cross member 25 and to bottom side 7 26a of cross member 26 and aligned with cup-shaped in FIGURES 1 and. 2 the axis of shaft 44 is in alignment members 28 for supporting the coiled helical springs It is, however, unnecessary to employ coiled helical springs for isolating the vibrations of the housing from the frame 'as various other types of resilient members can be employed. Asbest seen in FIGURES l, 2 and 3, the housing 11 being resiliently supported by a plurality of coiled helical springs 27 is also thereby supported for substantial free movement in space.

The housing 11, as best. shown in FIGURE 2 of the drawings, includes a pair of cylindrical members 31 and 32 welded or secured by suitable means to side plates 61 and 62 respectively. For the purpose of angularly rotating the housing 11 on a horizontal axis a spindle 33 is .rigidly secured to cylindrical member 31 and a spindle 34 is rigidly secured to cylindrical member 32. Spindle 33 is journaled in a bearing 35 which is inserted in a bearing support member 37 and spindle 34 is journaled in a bearing 36 which is'inserted in a bearing support member 38. Bearing support members 37 and 38 are respectively 35 :rigidly secured by welding or other suitable means to the top portion 25d of cross member 25 and to the top portion 26d of cross member 26. It must be understood, however, that it is not necessary to employ spindles 33 and 34 for rotatahly supporting the housing 11. A through shaft 39 as shown in FIGURES 4 and 5 may be employed in one form of the invention. I find advantage in using spindles 33 and 34 since noobstruction is created inside of the housing 11.

In order to isolate a rotary mechanism, generally designated as 40 (see FIGURE 1), from the orbital vibrations of the housing 11, a flexible coupling 41 is disposed between spindle 33 and the rotary mechanism 40. The flexible coupling comprises a central member 42 of resilient material such as rubber or the like. Cylindrical end members 43a and 43b are secured to the central member 42 by vulcanizing. Of course, it is not necessary to have the central member 42 vulcanized to the inner side walls of cylindrical members 43a and 43b. The resilient centraI member 42 can be secured to cylindrical end members 43a and 43b frictionally by applying pressure against the; resilient material.

coupling 41. The bearing support members 47 and 48. are secured in spaced parallel relationship on the top portion 24d of cross member 24. In the preferred form of the invention I find it advantageous to employ two hear-- ing support members 47 and 48 instead of one in orderto restrict the transverse motion of the shaft. As shown with the axis of spindles 33 and 34 or shaft 39. It is,

= however, unnecessary to have the axes in alignment since the flexible coupling 41 can be used to a certain extent as a universal joint in case the axes of the shafts connected to the cylindrical end members of the flexible coupling are not in alignment.

As best-illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 3 the housing 11 may be rotated from the loading or abrading position sion thereof.

\ forward wall 65 for inserting URE 4 and is an extension of to a discharge position (see FIGURE 5) by energizing a pneumatic cylinder 49. The operating lines and controls for the cylinder 49 are not shown since they are conventional. It must be understood, however, that it is not necessary that the means for rotating the housing from the loading position to the discharge position comprise a pneumatic cylinder 4?. Obviously, various other means such as a hydraulic cylinder, a power-driven winch, a geared motor, or the like can be employed for rotating the housing from the loading position to the discharge position. One end of the cylinder 49 is provided with a lug 50 pivotally secured by a pin 51 to a side plate 52 which is secured by suitable means such as welding to the inside portion of vertical frame member 2-8. The other end of the cylinder 4% is provided with a piston rod 49a having a lug 53 pivotally secured by a pin 54 to one end of a crank arm 55. The central portion of crank arm 55 extends through a slot 56 (see FIGURE 1) in the upper and lower channel portions 24a and 24b of cross member 24. The other end of crank arm 55 is disposed between bearing support members 47 and 48 and rigidly secured to the shaft 44 by a key 53 inserted in a slot of shaft 44. When the cylinder 49 is energized, there is some'lost motion due to the resiliency of the flexible coupling 41. However, any substantial longitudinal movement of lug 53 with respect to the cylinder 49 exerts a rotary motion to shaft 44 stressing the central member 42 of flexible coupling 41 which in turn develops a torque and rotates spindle 33 and thereby rotates housing 11 to the discharge or transfer position. By reversing the operation of the cylinder, the housing can be rotated back to its original abrading or loading position.

As shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 the whole machine 10 including the housing 11 and frame 12 is enclosed in a sound insulating box 59' having an opening at60 for loading and unloading the machine. The box also confines the dust escaping from the housing during the abrading, finishing or polishing operation.

Referring to FIGURE 4, the housing 11 having side plates 61 and 62 is provided with a rounded bottom 63 of semi-cylindrical form defining the bottom of an abradingor finishing chamber v64 having an opening adapted to receive finishing and/or polishing material and unfinished parts. A lower forward wall 65 extends upwardly from one end of the rounded bottom 63 and is an exten- An opening v66 is provided in the lower finishing and/or polishing material and unfinished parts into the abrading compartment or chamber. A loading chute 67 is secured to the forward wall 65 by welding or other suitable means. A lower rear wall 68 extends upwardly as illustrated in FIG- the other end of rounded bottom 63. The side portions of forward and rear walls 65 and 68 are respectively secured to side plates 6-1 and 62 by welding or the like. As best illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 6 the abrading chamber 64 is defined by rounded bottom 63, forward wall 65, rear wall 68 and the lower portions of side plates 61 and 62.

The upper portion of the housing 11 as viewed in FIGURE 4 has a rounded top 73, an upper forward wall upper rear wall 78 extending from the other end of the rounded top '73. The side portions of forward and rear wall 75 and 78 respectively are secured to side plates 61 and 62 by welding or the like. A storage chamber or compartment 74 is defined by the rounded top 73, forward wall 75, rear wall 78 and the upper portions of side plates 61 and 62. From the above description and particularly from FIGURES 4 and 5 of the drawings, it will be apparent that the abrading compartment at least partially opposes the storage compartment.

An opening 79 having a detachable cover plate 80 secured thereover is provided in the central top portion of the rounded top 73 for removing finishing material from the 75 extending from one end of the rounded top and an the motor so that the rotor shaft axis is in storage compartment when the housing is rotated to the discharge position (see FIGURE 5). A foraminous member 81 is disposed in the cover plate for removi-ng fines, scraps, or burrs from finishing material by selective passage therethrough when the housing is rotated to the discharge position. v

In accord with the invention, a foraminous member 82 -.is disposed transversely in housing 11 between the abrading chamber 64 and the storage chamber 74. As best seen in FIGURES 4, 5 and ,6, the foraminous member may be secured to frame 83 by suitable means. The term foraminous member .as used herein denotes, a member having openings or perforations for classification of parts and finishing material, for example, a grate or screen of any type, illustratively having wires or rods either parallel or at an angle to each other, whether or not reticulated.

It will be apparent that the housing while in abrading position, as seen in FIGURE 4, has the foraminous memer 82 disposed at an angle of less than 180 to a longitudinal plane bisecting the lower half of the abrading compartment 64 into substantially equal sections. By mounting the member 82 at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal plane of the abrading compartment, the housing 11 can be quickly rotated to the discharge position without having finishing material flow out of the housing with the finished parts. If no angle is formed between the member 82 and the longitudinal plane of abrading compartment 64 as, for instance, when the foraminous member is mounted in, an opening in one of the wall extensions of the abrading compartment, then the housing must be rotated to a discharge position rather slowly for maximum efiiciency of the separation step and to prevent a part of the finishing material from flowing out of the housing with the finished parts. In the preferred form of the invention, I find it advantageous to position the foraminous member 82 at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal plane of the abrading compartment. However, an angle larger than degrees is still satisfactory. 1

As best seen in FIGURES 2, 4 and 5 of the drawings, an induction motor or prime mover having a pair of not shown eccentric members secured to the rotary shaft is fastened by bolts 97 and nuts 98 to motor mounting bracket @9 welded to the outer rounded bottom 63 of housing 11 for imparting orbital vibrations to the housing in various positions of rotation and also to the mass of unfinished parts and finishing material in the abrading compartment. The electrical connections to the motor are not shown since they are conventional. It will be understood that it is not necessary that the motor be an induction motor. Obviously, the motor can be any type of electric motor or fluid motor, that is, any power means which generates a vibratory motion, such as an electromechanical vibrator, an air-driven motor, a liquid-driven motor, or the like.

In order to impart efiiciently the orbital vibrations of the motor 5 to the housing 11, it is desirableto mount the longitudinal plane of the abrading compartment as well as in spaced parallel relationship to the longitudinal axis of the abrading compartment (see FIGURE 4). Thus the distance between the shaft axis and the center of gravity of the mass of finishing material-and unfinished parts is at a minimum. If the longitudinal plane of the abrading compartment 64 is not vertically disposed when the housing is in the abrading position, then the motor 95 is preferably mounted to the housing with the rotor shaft axis in the vertical plane as well as in spaced parallel relationship to the longitudinal axis of the abrading compartment so that the mass of finishing material and unfinished parts still moves in an orbital manner. It must be understood, however, that it is not necessary to dispose the rotor shaft axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the abrading compartment; Satisfactory vibrations al though having an irregular motion can be obtained by disposing'the rotary shaft axis in skewed relation with respect-to the-longitudinal axis of the abrading compart- -ment.-

I In order to inspect the interior of the housing 11 and/ or replace or clean the member 82, an inspection plate 88 ismounted over an opening 71 definedby the inner sides of plate members 84, 85, 86 and 87 which are fixedly secured to side plates 61 and 62 and to lower and upper forward walls 65 .and 75 (see FIGURES 1, 2, 4 and of the drawings). 'A plurality of threaded lugs 90 welded to plate members 84, 85, 86 and 87 extend through openings in the inspection plate and are preferably provided with suitable nuts 89 for fastening the inspection plate to 'thehousing. The front portion 83a of the frame 83, as

shown in FIGURES 4 and 5 of the drawings, is provided I with a plurality of threaded lugs 91 which extend through apertures in the inspection plate 88. Suitable nuts 92 "are-provided for securing the front portion 8300f the frame to-the plate 88. Y

Adischarge chute .77 is connected to the rear portion nuts 89 and 92 and removing the inspection plate 88 from the housingll. If it is desired to remove the frame 83 from the housing, this can be accomplished by removing additional nuts 94 which secure the rear end of the frame to the bottom portion 77a of discharge chute 77.

' After a predetermined period has elapsed and the parts 69 have the desired finish, the housing 11 is rotated to thedischarge position and the parts are ready to be discharged from the housing. As best viewed in FIGURE 5,

showing the housing 11 in the discharge position, the

-- finished parts 69 and finishing material 70 flow by gravity and by the orbital vibrations imparted to the housing downwardly along the inside rear wall 68 toward the fotraminous member 82. The finishing material passes through the member 82 and is deposited on a bafile 101 interposed between the bottom of the storage compartment 74 and the member 82. The jfinishing material continues to move down over the end of the bafile 101 and into the storage chamber 74 while the finished parts fiow along the foraminousmember 82 and out of the discharge chute -77. In a preferred form of the invention, the discharge chute 77 and the motor 95 are disposed on the same side of the housing, as clearly shown in FIGURES 4 and 5 of the drawings, in order that the orbital vibrations of the motor can be more effectively imparted to the finished parts as'theyflow out of the machine.

Due to the relative size of the finished parts 69, the

. finishing material 70 and the perforations of the foraminous member 82, it is possible for the finished parts to be discharged too rapidly from the housing or that the finished parts be inadequately. separated from the finishing material and some of the finishing material discharged with the parts from the housing. In accord with the present invention it is desirable to direct and control the discharge of finished parts 69 and finishing material 70 from Y the abrading chamber toward the foraminous member 82. .This is accomplished by securing an adjustable bafile 112 to therear wall end portion 68a (see FIGURES 4 and 5). I Several threaded lugs 113'are welded to the end portion 68a of the rear wall 68 and extend into slots provided in the adjustable baffle 112. Suitable threaded nuts 114 are :iprovided for fastening the baflle 112 to the end portion back through the foraminous member.

68d. Depending upon the size of the finished part 69, the finishing material 70, and the perforations of the foraminous member 82, the space or opening between the can control the surface area. of the foraminous member exposed to the finishing material and also the rate at which the finished parts are discharged from the machine. It is not necessary to have an adjustable bafile provided with slots for regulating the opening between the abrading chamber and the separating member. Other means of adjustment can be employed. For instance, the foraminous member 182 can be adjustably moved or pivoted with respect to the lower rear wall 168 as illustrated in FIGURE 7 of the drawings. A cylindrical member 172 is secured to the end of frame 183 and journaled in detachable bearings 181 for pivotal movement. The lugs 191 on the other end of the frame are inserted in elongated slots provided in the inspection plate for adjustably securing the frame 183 thereto with nuts 192. By moving the foraminous member with respect to the distal end of wall I 168, control of the how of finishing material and finished parts toward the member as well as control of the flow of finished parts being discharged from the machine is efiected. Sometimes better control is achieved by adjustbly securing the bearings 181 as well as the front portion of frame 183. The foraminous member can then be moved and/or pivoted with respect to the distal end of rear wall 168. The lower rear wall 168 can also be pivotally mounted as at 171 for controlling the flow of finishing material and finished parts from the abrading chamber. Various other means can be incorporated into the housing for performing the same function. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, I prefer to use an adjustable bafiie 112 as illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 5 instead of a pivotal or movable member, since it is economical to construct, requires minimum maintenance,

. and can be readily adjusted or regulated from the outside of the housing 11 by loosening nuts 114 from the open rear thereof.

Whenever the finished parts are smaller than the finishing material, a not shown deck is interposed in the housing between the foraminous member and the storage compartment for collection of finished parts as they flow through member 82. One end of the deck communicates with the discharge chute 77 for discharging parts from the housing. The finishing material flows toward one end of member 82 and is guided into a not shown chute for discharge into the storage compartment 74.

When the housing is returned to the abrading position, it is desirable that the finishing material be rapidly returned to the abrading chamber for the start of another abrading cycle.

Becauseof the relative sizes of the perforations of the foraminous member 82 and the finishing material 70, it may require-some time for the finishing material to flow through member 82, usually a coarse screen, although by partially opposing the abrading and storage chambers this time factor is reduced considerably. By providing ducts or chutes 102 and 103 which bypass the member 82 and transfer the finishing material directly from the storage chamber 74 to the abrading chamber 64 as soon as the machine is rotated to the abrading position, delay in commencing a new abrading cycle is minimized still further, since the finishing material is quickly returned to the abrading chamber through the ducts instead of flowing The vibrations imparted to the housing prevent clumps of material from becoming lodged in either screen or ducts.

Preferably, and as best illustrated in FIGURES 4, 5

and 6, the bafile 101 extending inwardly from the rear central portion of the housing prevents the finishing material fromflowing back through the member 82. The

'baflie 101 is actually an extension of the lower chute por- 9 tion 77a, and is secured to side plates 61 and 62 by welding or the like. The bent portion 101a of baffie 101 reinforces the bafile and prevents the flow of finishing material 70 toward the bottom portion of the foraminous member when the housing is rotated from the discharge position to the abrading position;

A riser 104 having inclined side members 105 and 105a (see FIGURE 6) is disposed in the space defined below baffle 101, the inside of rear wall 78 and the inside portions of side plates 61 and 62. When the housing is rotated from the discharge position to the abrading position, the finishing material 70 flows from the bottom of the storage compartment 74 upon the riser 104. Due to the inclined surfaces of side members 105 and 105a of riser 104, the'finishing material 70 is directed into ducts 102 and 103. The bottom wall 106 of duct 102 and the bottom wall 107 of duct 103 as shown in FIGURE 6 actually are extensions of rear wall 78. Duct 102 is defined by upper wall 108, inner Wall 109, bottom wall 106 and by a portion of side plate 62. Duct 103 is defined by lower wall 107, upper wall 110, inner wall 111 and by a portion of side plate 61. The ducts 102 and 103 extend into the abrading chamber beyond the adjustable baffie 112 and, when the housing 11 is rotated to the loading position, the finishing material flows from the storage compartment 74 into ducts 102 or 103 and is transferred into abrading chamber 64. As is best illustrated in FIG- URES 4, and 6, suitable cut-out portions are provided in the bafile 102, the foraminous member 82 and the adjustable baffle 112 for the purpose of providing passageways for receiving ducts 102 and 103.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the loading chute 67 and the discharge chute 77 are disposed on opposite sides of the housing. With such an embodiment the housing can be loaded and unloaded from the same position, since the loading chute 67 is adjacent to' the opening 60 when the housing 11 is in the loading position, and when the housing is rotated to a discharge position, the discharge chute 77 is adjacent to the opening 60.

Operation In operation, unfinished parts and finishing material are inserted into an opening in the housing as by means of a loading chute when the housing is in a loading-position and deposited into the abrading chamber. The opening through which parts are introduced may optionally be closed during subsequent operations. By energizing the motor, a vibratory orbital motion is imparted to the housing and to the mass of unfinished parts and the finishing material. In some abrading operations it is not necessary that the housing be orbitally vibrated since certain types of finishing material render a satisfactory finish to the unfinished parts when merely commingled therewith and agitated in an irregular fashion. However, in the preferred form of the invention orbital vibrations are imparted to the housing and to the mass of finishing material and unfinished parts. After a predetermined period has elapsed, the rotary mechanism can be automatically or manually energized for rotating the housing .to the dis-. charge position whereby the finishing material and the finished parts by force of gravity and the influence of the orbital vibrations imparted to the housing are deposited on the foraminous member.

In the preferred form of the invention, the flow of finished parts and finishing material from the abrading chamber to the foraminous member can be controlled by altering the position of the adjustable baffle with respect to the foraminous member, thereby'controlling the rate at which the parts are discharged from the machine as well as the surface area of the foraminous member which is in contact with the finishing material. After all of the finishing material is deposited in the storage compartment and all of the finshed parts are discharged from the housing. The rotary mechanism is reversed for rotating can the housing back to its loading or abrading position. For certain operating conditions, it may be preferable to modify slightly the rotary mechanism, the relative positions of components within the housing, and the connections to the motor for rotating the housing through one or more cycles in the same direction, that is, so that the housing can be rotated when it is rotated from the abrading position to the discharge position and then back to the abrading position. When the housing is returned to the loading or abrading position, the finishing material flows down a rear wall of the storage chamber, toward a riser and is directed into one or more ducts which bypass the foraminous member and quickly transfer the finishing material into the abrading compartment. A bafiie is also suitably disposed in the storage compartment for preventing the flow of finishing rnaterial toward the bottom surface of the forminous member. The likelihood of finishing material flowing through the foraminous member is negligible.

Finished parts and finishing material may, if desired,

be introduced into the storage compartment, when in a suitably disposed position of rotation, for return of both tothe abrading compartment upon rotation to the abrading position, if a useful purpose is served by operating Gil in such manner in a particular case.

When the parts are smaller than the finishing material,

the parts pass through the foraminous member onto the not shown deck or the like communicating with the exterior of the housing and the finishing material flows down the foraminous member into the not shown chute leading into the storage compartment. The finishing material, being larger than the perforations in the forminous member, is transferred to the abrading compartment 64 by ducts 102 and 103 or, less conveniently, by manually discharging the finishing material from the storage compartment through opening 79 and then reinserting it into the abrading compartment through the loading chute after the housing is rotated to the loading position.

It is thus seen that a self-separating finishing machine has been provided for economically finishing metal, plastie, and wooden parts, or the like, and automatically separating finishing material used in the operation from finished parts.

It is to be understood that the term finishingmaterial is used generically to designate materials used to impart all types of finishes including those finishes acquired 'with abrading material as well as with polishingmaterial and present embodiments herein specifically set forth be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and drawings to indicate the scope of the invention, which is to be understood as being limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim: 1. A self-separating finishing machine comprising an abrading compartment having an opening for receiving finishing material and unfinished parts when said abrading compartment is in a first position of rotation, a

storage compartment communicating with and partially opposite said abrading compartment for receiving finishing material from said abrading compartment when said abrading compartment is in a second position of rotation, said abrading compartment and said storage compartment being rotatable as a unit about a horizontal'axis, a foraminous member disposed between said compartments for separating parts from finishing material, means bypassing said member for delivery of finishing material from said storage compartment to said abrading compartment when said abrading compartment is returned to said first position of rotation, discharge means for dischargthrough a complete revolution 'ing parts from said machine, and power means for imparting a vibratory motion to said, abrading compartment in at least an abrading position of rotation.

2. A self-separating finishing machine comprising an abrading compartment having an opening adapted to rement is in a second position of rotation, said abrading compartment and said storage compartment being rotatable as a unit about a horizontalaxis, a foraminous member disposed between said compartments for separating parts from finishing material, means bypassing, said member for delivery of finishing material from said storage compartment to said abrading compartment when said abrading compartment is returned-to said first position of rotation, means disposed between said member and said abrading compartment for controlling the flow of parts and finishing material flowing toward said member, and, power means for imparting a vibratory motion to said compartments in at least an abrading position of rotation. 3. In a self-separating finishing machine, the combination of an abrading compartment having an opening for receiving finishing material and unfinished parts when said abrading compartment is in .a first position of rotation, a storage compartment communicating with said abrading compartment for receiving finishing material from said abrading compartment when said abrading compartment is in a second position of rotation, means I disposed between said compartments for separating parts from finishing material, means bypassing said first mentioned means for delivery of finishing material from said storage compartment to said abrading compartment when said abrading compartment is returned to said first position of rotation, adjustable means disposed in said machine for controlling the flow of parts discharged from said machine, and power means for imparting a vibratory motion to said compartments in at least one position of rotation. V v

4. In a self-separating finishing machine, the combination of a housing mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis, an abrading chamber in' said housing having an opening for receiving finishing material and unfinished parts, a storage chamber in said housing at least partially opposed to saidabrading chamber and having an opening for receiving finishing material from said abrading ,chamber, a foraminous member mounted insaid housing for. separating finishing material from finished parts,

'means disposed in saidabrading chamber .for directing the finishing material and parts toward saidmember when said housing is rotated through anangle, a discharge chute for ejecting parts from said housing, means bypassing said member for delivery of said finishing material from. said storage chamber to said abrading chamber when said housing is returned to a prerotation position, and power means for imparting a vibratory motion to said housing in at least one position of rotation.

5. A self-separating finishing machine comprising a housing mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis, an abrading chamber in saidhousing having an opening for receiving finishing material and unfinished parts, a

storage chamber in said housing having an opening for receiving finishing material from said abrading chamber, a foraminous member mounted in said housing for separating finishing material from finished parts, means .disposed in said abrading chamber for directing the finishing material and parts toward said member when said housing is rotated through. an angle, adjustable means disposed in said housing for varying the flow of parts and finishing material toward said member, a

discharge chute for ejecting finished parts from said housing, means bypassing said memberfor delivery of said finishing material from said storage chamber to said abrading chamber when said housing is returned to-a prerotation position, and power means for imparting a vibratory motion to said housing in at least one position ofrotation. 7 r

6. A self-separating finishing machine comprising a housing rotatably mounted on a horizontal axis, an abrading chamber in said housing having an Opening for receiving finishing material and unfinished parts, a storage chamber in said housing partially opposite said abrading chamber and having an opening for receiving finishing material from said abrading chamber, a foraminous member mounted in said housing for separating finishing material from finished parts, means disposed in said abrading chamber for directing the finishing material and finished parts toward said member when said housing is rotated to a discharge position, a discharge chute for ejecting finished parts from said housing, a baffie disposed in said storage chamber for preventing the return of finishing material from said storage chamber to said abrading chamber through said member, means bypassing said member for delivery of said finishing material from said storage chamber to said abrading chamber when said housing is in a loading position, and power means for imparting a vibratory motion to said housing in at least one position of rotation.

7. A self-separating finishing device comprising an abrading compartment and a storage compartment attached to and communicating with each other mounted for substantial free movement in space and rotatable as a unit, a foraminous member disposed in said device between adjacent openings in said abrading and said storage compartments, adjustable means provided in said device for varying the opening of said abrading compartment with respect to said member, and power means for imparting a vibratory motion to said abrading compartment in at least an abrading position of rotation.

8. A self-separating finishing device comprising an abrading compartment and a storage compartment attached to and communicating with each other mounted for substantial free movement in space and rotatable as a unit, a foraminous member disposed in said device between adjacent openings in said abrading and said storage compartments, adjustable means provided in said device for varying the opening of said abrading compartment with respect to said member, a duct mounted in said device for return vof finishing material from said storage compartment to said abrading compartment, and

' power means for imparting a vibratory motion to said compartment in at least one position of rotation.

9. A self-separating finishing device comprising an abrading compartment and a storage compartment attached to and communicating with each other mounted for substantial free movement in space and rotatable as a unit, a foraminous member disposed in said device between adjacent openings in said abrading and said storage compartments, adjustable means provided in said device for varying the opening of said'abrading compartment with respect to said member, a bafiie disposed in said storage compartment for preventing the return of finishing material from said storage compartment to said. abrading compartment through said member, a duct mounted in said device for return of finishing material from said storage compartment to said abrading compartment, and power means for imparting a vibratory motion to said compartments in at least one position of rotation.

10. A self-separating finishing device comprising an abrading compartment and a storage compartment attached to and communicating with each other mounted for substantial free movement in space and rotatable as a unit, a faraminous member mounted in said device for pivotal movement between adjacent openings in said abrading and storage compartments for controlling the flow of parts'and finishing material discharged from a'ra'ting parts from 13 said abrading compartment, and power means for imparting a vibratory motion to said compartments in at least one position of rotation.

11. A self-separating finishing device comprising an abrading compartment and a storage compartment attached to and communicating with each other mounted for substantial free movement in space and rotatable as a unit, a foraminous member disposed in said device between adjacent openings in said abrading and said storage compartments and moveable with respect to one of said openings for controlling the flow of finishing material into said "storage compartment, and power means for imparting a vibratory motion to said compartments in at least one position of rotation.

12. In a self-separating finishing machine, the combination of an abrading compartment having an opening {for receiving finishing material and unfinished parts when said abrading compartment is in a firstposition of rotation, a storage compartment communicating with said abrading compartment for receiving finishing material from said abrading compartment when said abrading compartment is in a second position of rotation, a fora-minous member disposed between said compartments forsepsaid member for delivery of finishing material from said storage compartment to said abrading compartment when said abrading compartment is returned to the first position of rotation, adjustable means disposed between said member and said abrading compartment for controlling the fiow of parts and finishing material received by said member, said last mentioned means for controlling the flow of parts and finishing material being adjustable externally of said abrading compartment, and power means for imparting a vibratory motion to said compartments in various positions of rotation.

13. A self-separating finishing device comprising an abrading compartment and a storage compartment attached to and communicating with each other mounted for substantial free movement in space and rotatable as a unit, a foraminous member disposed in said device between adjacent openings in said abrading and said storage compartments, adjustable means provided in said device for varying the opening of said abrading compartment with respect to said member, said last mentioned means including means for adjustment externally of said abrading compartment, and power means for imparting a vibratory motion to said unit in at least one position of rotation.

14. A self-separating finishing machine comprising a housing including means defining an abrading chamber and means defining a storage chamber, a separating means disposed between said chambers, a means mounted on said housing having an eccentric member for imparting vibratory movement to said housing, a filling chute communicating with said abrading chamberand adapted to receive finishing material and unfinished parts, means disposed in said abrading chamber for directing finishing material and finished parts toward said separating means, a baflie disposedin said storage chamberforlpreventing return of said finishing material through saidseparating means, a duct communicating with saidstorage chamber and said abrading chamber for returning said finishing material to said abrading chamber, a discharge chute connected to said housing for discharging finished parts, and means for rotating said housing to transfer and abrading positions.

15. A self-separating finishing machine comprising a housing including means defining an abrading chamber and means defining a storage chamber, a separating means disposed between said chambers, a motor mounted on said housing having an eccentric member for imparting vibratory movement to said housing, a filling chute communicating with said abrading chamber and adapted to receive finishing material and unfinished parts, means disposed'in said abrading chamber for directing finishing finishing material, means bypassing material and finished parts toward said separating means, adjustable means provided in said machine for varying the flow of finishing material and finishedparts toward said separating means, a bafiie disposed in said storage chamber for preventing return of said finishing material through said-separating means, means communicating with said storage chamber and said abrading chamber (for returning said'finishing material into said abrading chamber, a discharge chute connected to said housing for discharging finished parts, and means for rotating said housing to discharge and abrading positions.

16. In a self-separatingfinishing machine, the combination of a housing mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis, an abrading compartment in said housing provided with an opening adapted to receive finishing material and unfinished parts, a storage compartment in said housing provided withan opening adapted to re ceive finishing material from said abrading compartment when said housing is rotated toa discharge position, a foraminous member disposed in said housing for separating said finishing material from said parts and in a plane forming an acute angle with a longitudinal plane of said abrading compartment, a motor mounted to said abrading compartment for imparting vibrations thereto and having its rotary shaft axis in the longitudinal plane of said abrading compartment, and means for rotating said housing from an abrading position to the dischargeposition.

l7. In a self-separating finishing machine, the combination of a housing mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis, an abrading compartment in said housing provided with an opening adapted to receive finishing material and unfinished parts, a storage compartment in said housing provided with an opening adapted to receive finishing material from said abrading compartment when said housing is rotated to a discharge position, a foruminous member disposed in said housing for separating said finishing material from said parts and in a plane forming an acute angle with abrading compartment, a motor secured to said abrading compartment for imparting vibrations thereto and having its rotary shaft axis in substantial spaced parallel relationship to the longitudinal plane of said abrading compartment, and means for rotating said housing from an abrading position to the discharge position.

18. In a self-separating finishing machine, the combination of a housing mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis, an abrading compartment insaid housing provided with an opening adapted to receive finishing ma terial and unfinished parts, a storage compartment; in said housing provided with an opening'ada-pted to receive finishing material from 'said abrading compartment when saidhousing is rotated to a discharge position, a formlnous member mounted in said housing for separating said finishing material from said parts and disposed at an angle'to a longitudinal plane of said abrading compartment, a motor secured to said abrading compartment for imparting vibrations thereto and having its rotary shaft axis'in substantial spaced parallel relationship .to a longitudinal axis ofjsaid abrading compartment, and means for rotating said "housing from an abrading position tothe discharge position. I

19., In a self-separating finishing machine, the combination of a housing mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis, an abrading compartment in said housing provided "with an opening adapted to receive finishing material and unfinished parts, a storage compartment in said housing provided withran opening adapted to receive finishing material from ,saidf'abrading compartment when said housing is rotated to ya discharge position, a foraminous member for separating said finishing material from said parts anddisposed in said housing at an angle to the vertical axis of said abrading compartment when said housing is in an abrading position, a motor secured to said abrading compartment for imparting vibrations thereto and having a longitudinal plane of said 15 its rotary shaft axis substantially normal to the vertical I axis of said abrading compartment, and means for rotating said housing from the abrading position to the dis charge position. i

20. In ayseZf-separating finishing machine, including a housing journaled on a horizontal axis within a frame for rotation from a loading position to a discharge position, an'abrading compartment in said housing having an opening adapted to receive finishing material and unfinished parts, a storage compartment in said hou'sing hav-' ing an opening adapted to receive finishing material, and means for imparting vibratory movement to said housing in at least one position 'of rotation, the combination of a foraminous member mounted in said housing for separating finishing material from parts, a first bafile disposed in said abrading compartment for controlling the flow of finishing material and parts toward said member, a second bafile mounted in said housing for preventing the return flow of finishing material from said storage compartment through said member, and a' duct communicating with said abrading compartment and said storage compartment for transferring finishing material from said storage compartment to said abrading compartment and bypassing both said second bafiie and said member.

21.,A self-separating finishing machine comprising a frame, a housing journaled on a horizontalaxis within said frame for rotation'from a loading position to a discharge position, an abrading compartment in said housing having an opening adapted to receive finishing material and unfinished parts, a storage compartment in said housing partially opposite said abrading compartment and'having an opening adapted to receive finishing material, a foraminous member mounted in said housing for separating finishing material from parts, a first bafiie disposed in said abrading compartment for controlling the flow of finishing materiakand parts toward said member,

said first baflle being an extension of one wall of said abrading compartment, a second baflie' mounted in said storage compartment for preventing the return flow of finishing material through said member, a duct com- W municating with said abrading compartment and said storage compartment for transferring finishing material from said-storage compartment to said abrading compartment and bypassing both said second baffie and said member,

and means for imparting vibratory movement to said housing in at least one position of rotation.

22. In a self-separating finishing machine, the combination-of elements including a housing journaled on'a horizontal axis within a frame for rotation from a loading position to a discharge position, an abrading compartment disposed in said housing and being adapted'to receive finishinglmaterial and unfinished parts through a first opening in said housing, a storage compartment disposed in said housingand adapted toreceive finishing material from said abrading compartment when said housing is rotated to the discharge position, a foraminous membe r disposed in said housing between said abrading compartment and said 'storagecompartment for separating finishingmaterial from parts when said housing is rotated to a discharge position andcooperating with a second opening in said housing for discharging parts from said housing when said housing is in a discharge position of rotation, means for imparting vibratory movement'to 7 said housing in at least one position of rotation, and means for rotating said housing frorn'the loading position to the discharge position, the relationship of said elements being such'as'to allow loading of parts into said housing and discharging of parts from said housing from the same side of said machine upon a partial rotation of said housing, a. p

23. A self-separating finishing machine comprising a' frame, a housing journaled on a horizontal axis within said frame for. rotation from a loading position to a discharge position, an abrading compartment disposed in said housing and having an opening adapted to receive finishing material and unfinished parts, a storage compartment disposed in said housing and having an opening adapted to re;eive finishing material from said abrading compartment when said housing is rotated to the discharge position, a first chute mounted on a first side of said housing and communicating with said opening in saidabrading compartment, a foraminous member disposed in said housing between said abrading compartment and said storage compartment for separating finishing material from parts when said housing is rotated to the discharge position, a second chute mounted on a second side of said housing and communicating with said memberfor discharging parts from said'housing when said housing is rotated to the discharge position, means for imparting vibratory movement to said housing in at least one position of rotation, and means for rotating said housing from the loading position to the discharge position for loading of parts into said housing and discharging of parts from said housing fromthe same side of said machine.

24. In a self-separating finishing machine, the combination of a housing journaled on a horizontal axis within a frame for rotation from a loading position to a discharge position, an abrading compartment disposed in said housing and having an opening adapted to receive finishing material and unfinished parts, a storage compartment disposed in said housing and having an opening adapted to receive finishing material from said abrading compartment when said housing is rotated to the discharge position, a first chute mounted on a first side of said housing and communicating with said opening in said abrading compartment, a foraminous member disposed in said housing between said abrading compartment and said storage compartment for separating finishing material from parts when said housing is rotated to the discharge position, a second chute mounted on a second side of said housing and communicating with said member for discharging parts from said housing when said housing is rotated to the discharge position, said first chute and said second chute being generally diametrically disposed relative to said housing, means for imparting vibratory movement to said housing in at least one position of rotation, and means for rotating said housing from the loading position to the discharge position for loading of parts into said housing and dissaid abrading compartment and said storage compartment being rotatable as a unit about a horizontal axis, a foraminous member disposed between said compartments for separating parts from finishing material, discharge means for discharging parts from said machine, andpower means for imparting a vibratory motion to said abrading compartment in at least an abrading position of rotation. 26. The'self-separating finishing machine of claim 25,

wherein said foraminous member has its major plane at an angle of less than to a longitudinal plane dividing said abrading compartment into two substantially equal sections.

27. A self-separating finishing machine having a parts exit comprising an abrading compartment having an opening for receiving finishing material and unfinished parts when said abrading compartment is in a first position of rotation, a storage compartment communicating with and partially opposite said abrading compartment for' receiving finishing material from said abrading co'mpartment when said abrading compartment is in a second position of rotation, said abrading compartment and said storage compartment being rotatable as a unit about a horizontal 17 axis, a foraminous member disposed between said compartments for separating parts and cooperating with said parts exit for discharging parts from said machine, and power means for imparting 2. vi-

bratory motion to said abrading compartment.

28. A self-separating finishing machine having a parts exit comprising an abrading compartment having an opening for receiving finishing material and unfinished parts when said abrading compartment is in a first position of rotation, a storage compartment communicating with and at least partially opposite said abrading compartment from finishing material for receiving finishing material from said abrading com partment when said abrading compartment is in a second position of rotation, said abrading compartment and said storage compartment being rotatable as aunit about a horizontal axis, a foraminous member disposed between said compartments for separating parts from finishing material, means bypassing said member for delivery of finishing material from said storage compartment to said abrading compartment when said 'abrading compartment is re- 18 turned to said first position of rotation, said foraminous member cooperating with said parts exit for exit of parts from said machine, and power means for imparting a vibratory motion to said abrading compartment.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,997,814 Brandt Aug. 29, 

11. A SELF-SEPARATING FINISHING DEVICE COMPRISING AN ABRADING COMPARTMENT AND A STORAGE COMPARTMENT ATTACHED TO AND COMMUNICATING WITH EACH OTHER MOUNTED FOR SUBSTANTIAL FREE MOVEMENT IN SPACE AND ROTATABLE AS A UNIT, A FORAMINOUS MEMBER DISPOSED IN SAID DEVICE BETWEEN ADJACENT OPENINGS IN SAID ABRADING AND SAID STORAGE COMPARTMENTS AND MOVEABLE WITH RESPECT TO ONE 